Ivory Coast’s opposition PDCI-RDA has alleged that supporters of the ruling RHDP party are fraudulently collecting voters’ personal data ahead of Saturday’s legislative elections, prompting calls for legal action amid denials from the electoral commission.
The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) has accused individuals claiming affiliation with the ruling Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) of gathering voters’ names, phone numbers, voter card details, and polling station information in the lead-up to the legislative elections scheduled for 27 December 2025, according to Africanews.
Opposition Alleges Fraudulent Data Collection Tactics
According to Africanews, the PDCI-RDA claims these activities are accompanied by promises of cash payments up to 300,000 CFA francs and distribution of motorcycles to influence votes, targeting more than 8.7 million registered voters expected to elect 255 members of parliament on Saturday.
As reported by Africanews, the ruling RHDP has declined to comment on the accusations, while the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) states it does not intervene in disputes between political parties and advises affected parties to seek redress through the courts.
Historical Tensions and Electoral Context
Ivory Coast’s political landscape has been marked by recurring disputes over electoral processes, with opposition groups frequently raising concerns about irregularities ahead of votes, as noted in reports from multiple outlets covering recent elections.
Recent Voter Card Issues in Key Constituency
The PDCI-RDA has also expressed concerns over the disappearance of more than 25,000 voter cards in the Port-Bouët constituency, according to Africanews, though the CEI head has dismissed these fears, stating the cards have been identified, reissued, and will be available on election day.
Potential Implications for Polling Day
According to Africanews, the CEI’s position limits its role to non-interference in partisan conflicts, directing grievances to judicial channels, which could lead to court challenges even as voting proceeds with over 8.7 million voters participating across the country.
Africanews reports that more than 8.7 million voters are set to elect 255 parliamentary members on 27 December 2025, with the PDCI-RDA’s allegations highlighting ongoing frictions between the opposition and ruling party ahead of the polls.
